9-night Mediterranean Cruise

Rugged and scenic, Pantelleria is a small island off the coast to Sicily, and the southernmost island in Europe. On clear days, of which there are many, you may catch sight of the distant outline of Africa's shores. The Lago di Venere is worth a visit; its intense, otherworldly blue color is due to its volcanic origination, and nearby, you can take a dip in a thermal spring that faces the sea. Search closely, and you may also find a small "sauna" created naturally by an enclosure in the hill. Mounds of stone blocks from the Neolithic age near Mursia are remains of old earthen tombs, called sesi. For spectacular views, ascend Montagna Grande, with a trunk-like rock formation that leads down to the town of Tracino. Boating, seeing marine caves, hiking and walking through vineyards are also wonderful ways to spend your day at Pantelleria. Architecture is very similar to other Mediterranean cities, particularly Greece with its white-washed homes.

Cast in the Tyrrhenian sea, the Lipari Islands experience an increasing amount of tourism due to unusual scenery and mild climate. The variety and beauty of rock formations, the volcanic phenomena of Stromboli and the crystalline waters always impress visitors. Local-style architecture adds charm to picturesque villages. The main islands include famous Stromboli and Lipari. In a bay on Lipari’s east coast lies the main town of the same name - dominated by the Castello or Acropolis, which separates the town’s two harbors. Within Castello are the cathedral and the former Bishop's Palace, which now houses the Archaeological Museum. It is noted for its fine collection of relics from recent excavations, Greek masks and statuettes from theatrical life as far back as Sophocles and Euripides. At Marina Corta there are hydrofoils and boats offering trips to neighboring islands. The most southern Lipari Island, Vulcano Island, has a spectacular volcanic landscape of rugged peaks rising above beaches. A steep trail leads up from the plain to a 1,150-foot crater.

Alghero is the tourist capital of the so-called Coral Riviera. Its Spanish heritage is reflected in many buildings, including the church of San Francesco and the towers and bastions remaining from Spanish fortifications. With its 22 impressive columns, the Church is an outstanding example of Catalan-Gothic architecture. Grottoes and caves attract the adventurous visitor; fishing boats and pleasure craft crowd the colorful harbor; and the crystalline sea is ideal for coral and lobster fishing. Old Town is the site of seven defensive towers that dominate the walls surrounding Alghero. One of the most prominent is Porta Terra, known also as Jewish Tower. At Via Umberto stands Alghero’s 16th-century cathedral. One of the finest examples of Alghero’s Catalan-Gothic architecture is Palazzo d’Albi on Piazza Civica. Nearby stands the elegantly austere palace Palaua Reial. Two-story massive stone towers of Nuraghe Palmavera are characteristic of the island’s numerous prehistoric settlements.